Barking and Dagenham Domestic Violence Forum

Practical Help

Leaving home

 

If you are experiencing domestic violence from your (ex) partner you may decide that it is unsafe to stay in your home. You may decide to leave your home on a temporary or permanent basis.

There are many reasons why women (and their children) suffering domestic violence may leave home. Some women leave due to a specific crisis situation (e.g. a violent or threatening incident has occurred) and may not have had time to consider whether or not they are likely to return home.

Others may leave because they get the opportunity to do so (e.g. a controlling and abusive partner goes away for the weekend giving them time to make plans to leave). Some women plan ahead and others leave without preparation.

You do not have to make long term decisions in a crisis and are entitled to short term help whether you later decide to return home or not.

If you are planning to leave or are worried that you may have to leave due to possible future violence and/or abuse you should think about where you would go, how you would get there and what you would take with you.

Many women are also frightened of what their (ex) partners may do to them if they leave or try to leave. Unfortunately this can be a dangerous time for many women and children experiencing domestic violence and you may wish to think about having a "safety plan" to reduce the possibility of your (ex) partner finding you.

You can get practical advice and support on all these (and other related issues) from a range of specialist agencies including the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000247.

There may be several options open to each woman as to where she can go. Each one may have specific advantages and disadvantages. Your short term immediate options may include:

• Staying with Family or friends
• Going into a refuge
• Women who have insecure immigration status
• Specialist refuges

 

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Contact
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247

 

 

 

 

 

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